Hundreds of Spectators Attend Kecak Festival in Tokyo Japan

JAKARTA - The promotion of traditional Indonesian cultural arts has become a bridge of connection and a fairly effective diplomatic tool in strengthening the bonds of friendship and increasing cooperation between Indonesia and Japan, especially if the promotion is initiated directly by the art community of Japanese citizens, said the Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Nurmala Kartini P. Sjahrir.

Like the Geinoh Yamashirogumi Kecak Festival held in Shinjuku, Tokyo on July 30 which was held by the Geino Yamashirogumi Arts Group.

In the Bali cultural festival which is held for free for the public until August 2, 2026, it features traditional dances such as Legong and Kecak as the main performers for five days of performances.

"Sincere appreciation to Mr. Akira Yajima, Director General of the Kecak Geinoh Yamashirogumi Festival, as well as all the committees, for their commitment in introducing the richness of Indonesian performing arts, especially the Kecak Bali tradition to the audience in Japan," said Ambassador Kartini, launching the statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo (31/7).

"Geinoh Yamashirogumi has made a tremendous contribution to strengthening the friendship between Indonesia and Japan through culture," he continued.

"This year's festival is even more special, because it brings together Indonesian artists, especially from Bali, with talented performers from Japan, Georgia and Bulgaria," said Ambassador Kartini.

"The Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo is ready to support every activity held. Hopefully this festival will continue to be held as a symbol of cultural harmony and inspire closer collaboration between the two nations," he concluded.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Geinoh Yamashirogumi Kecal Festival Executive Committee, Akira Yajima, explained that the festival featured a combination of Balinese Kecak dance with gamelan music and other art performances that created a unique cultural experience.

"For half a century since its inauguration in 1976, this Kecak Festival has been dedicated to bringing the rich Indonesian performing arts to audiences in Japan. With deep respect and admiration for Indonesia's cultural heritage, this year's festival presents Kecak together with traditional Balinese Gamelan music, Balinese dance, and Jegog," he explained.

"We believe that the Kecak Festival offers a meaningful platform to promote cultural exchange and deepen mutual understanding and friendship between Indonesia and Japan," he added.

This festival involves more than 100 Japanese citizens and friendly citizens, including artists from Bali who perform Legong and Kecak dances, including gamelan and jegog players.

The atmosphere of Bali is very felt when visitors enter the courtyard area of the Mitsui Building in Shinjuku, where the festival is held, starting from the gate as a background, the entrance to the performance, the endek cloth or typical Bali cloth, and the traditional umbrella all emit the typical atmosphere of Bali.

Lighting lights around the area and spotlight performances also add to the magical atmosphere that is tried to be presented during the performance.